Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Winter has brought frigid temperatures to Massachusetts this week, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has advice on how to keep pets safe when outside.
Temperatures are set to remain below freezing on Wednesday, and Accuweather predicts highs around 30 degrees. It could feel like single digits because of the wind chill.
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Here are six tips from the ARL:
1.Make sure your dog is warm. Dogs with shorter coats can wear sweaters, coats, and booties. And it’s best to allow dogs with longer fur to grow out their coats.
2.Wipe off any salt or other chemicals used to clear ice from your dog’s paws and stomach.
3.Only go outside for a short period of time, including for walks and bathroom breaks.
4.Leave your pet at home instead of alone in a cold car. It is illegal in Massachusetts to leave animals in cars alone during extreme heat and cold.
5.Keep pets well groomed, because the ARL says a matted coat cannot keep a pet warm. Also, the cold can elevate arthritis pain in senior pets.
6.Look under the hood of your car. Cats can hide there to stay warm.
The ARL is also reminding pet owners that it is illegal in the Commonwealth to dogs outside during bad weather.
“A person shall not leave a dog outside when a weather advisory, warning or watch is issued by a local, state or federal authority or when outside environmental conditions including, but not limited to, extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow or hail pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of the dog based on the dog's breed, age or physical condition, unless the tethering is for not more than 15 minutes,” the law states.